This Week: Consumer prices, Delta earns, retail sales

A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week:

EYE ON INFLATION

The Labor Department serves up its December reading of inflation at the consumer level Wednesday.

Americans continue to face higher costs, reflected in sharp annual increases in the consumer price index over the past year. Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.8% in November compared with a year earlier, the highest inflation rate in 39 years. Economists predict the consumer price index jumped 7.1% in the 12 months ended in December.

Consumer price index, annual percent change, not seasonally adjusted:

July 5.4

Aug. 5.3

Sept. 5.4

Oct. 6.2

Nov. 6.8

Dec. (est.) 7.1

Source: FactSet

HOLIDAY TRAVEL BOOST?

Delta Air Lines serves up its results for the last three months of 2021 Thursday.

Wall Street predicts the company returned to a profit in the fourth quarter, aided by a strong increase in revenue versus the same quarter in 2020. Last month, Delta said it expected to post a profit for the quarter, citing a solid pickup in bookings for holiday season travel.

SIZING UP RETAIL SALES

The Commerce Department delivers its December tally of U.S. retail sales Friday.

Economists predict sales at restaurants, shops and other retailers were flat last month after rising a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in November. That modest rise in spending followed a 1.8% jump in October as Americans brushed off rising prices and shortages and set about shopping for the holidays.

Retail sales, monthly percent change, seasonally adjusted:

July -1.6

Aug. 1.2

Sept. 0.7

Oct. 1.8

Nov. 0.3

Dec. (est.) 0.0

Source: FactSet